Douglas Cleveland
International Concert Organist
“In Douglas Cleveland’s hands the organ seemed to squeeze the air into towering sculptures.”
“CLEVELAND DAZZLES IN CONTEMPORARY WORKS ... Cleveland essayed the set with such aplomb that organ technique might need to be added as an Olympic event.”
“Highlights included organist Douglas Cleveland, who served up a delicious Hanson Concerto ...evincing power, drive, and force.”
"Cleveland's performance was flawless...he received a spontaneous standing ovation which lasted at least five minutes. Cleveland's performance was simply incredible."
“With Doug Cleveland, you really get the complete package. Consummate musicianship and a bewilderingly flawless technique, allied to innovative programming which always puts the audience first.”
- David Briggs
Artist in Residence | Saint John the Divine
New York, NY, USA
“Douglas Cleveland played a brilliant recital at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. The people of China love him!”
- Fanxiu Shen
Professor of Organ | Central Conservatory of Beijing
Organist at the National Center for the Performing Arts
“He was very professional, and in his recital at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris he showed a brilliant technique, as well as being a very sensitive musician.”
- Johann Vexo
Professor of Organ, Superior Music Academy | Strasbourg
Choir Organist | The Cathedral of Notre Dame of Paris
Cathedral Organist at the Cathedral of Nancy
“He is one of the finest young artists in the United States.”
- Michael Barone
National Public Radio, Pipedreams
Concerts
Doug’s prolific concertizing career has included performing in the United States, Europe, Asia, Central America, Canada, Iceland, and Russia.
Doug has been sponsored by the American Embassy to be the featured artist at international festivals, and is known for his vast repertoire which ranges from Baroque to contemporary.
Previous International Concert Highlights
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Paris, France
Westminster Abbey
London, England
Berlin Cathedral
Berlin, Germany
Bergen International Music Festival
Bergen, Norway
Lausanne Cathedral
Lausanne, Switzerland
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne, Australia
International Organ Festival Reykjavik, Iceland
Stockholm Cathedral
Stockholm, Sweden
National Center for the Performing Arts
Beijing, China
Queensland Conservatorium
Brisbane, Australia
Minato Mirai Concert Hall
Yokohama, Japan
Victoria Concert Hall
Singapore
Festival Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada
New College Chapel
Oxford, England
Durham Cathedral
Durham, England
Erfurt International Organ Festival
Erfurt, Germany
Christchurch Cathedral Victoria, Canada
Recordings
Doug is renowned for his virtuoso technique combined with musical passion.
Cleveland in Columbus features Doug's performance of the Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Major, by J.S . Bach, which his colleagues have shared is a model performance and interpretation from which they teach. It is the debut CD recording made on the spectacular new Fritts organ (“Big Red”), at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, in Colombus, Ohio.
His performance of the Deux Esquisses by Marcel Dupre and the Four Concert Etudes by David Briggs showcases his brilliant technical mastery.
Furthermore, several of his recorded works include pieces he has commissioned and performed as a world-premier.
Live Performance Footage
- The American Organist
Review of Doug's performance at the 2018 AGO National Convention
Please enjoy the highlight video below
“Douglas Cleveland’s eminently musical performance goes beyond all technical challenges to manifest the deeply emotional and spiritual realities embedded in Decker’s score.”
2018 American Guild of Organists National Convention, Featured Artist
Stay tuned!
In 2024 Doug will be returning for the sixth time as a Featured Artist at an American Guild of Organists National Convention, this time in San Francisco!
